Associate Director, Research Programs

• Employment Type: Full time
• Duration: Continuing position
• Remuneration: Senior Appointment

Why your role matters

As Associate Director, Research Programs, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for UNSW’s institutional research funding capability. Leading portfolios spanning researcher pathways, collaborative research development, and funding operations and compliance, you will connect these areas to strengthen UNSW’s success in securing competitive research funding.

Working across Faculties, Research Grants & Contracts, Industry & Innovation and external partners, you will translate institutional priorities into coordinated funding outcomes and provide expert advice to senior leaders on funding strategy, research capability, performance, governance and emerging opportunities.

This role reports to the Director, Research Strategy Office, and you’ll lead a team of 11 including 4 direct reports.

About UNSW

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. We are a large organisation with a diverse and highly talented community doing extraordinary work. We are driven to be thoughtful, practical and purposeful in all we do, and this collective approach is what gives our work impact. It is also why UNSW is consistently ranked among the world’s top 20 universities in the QS World University Rankings and is a proud member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight. If you’re seeking a career where you can thrive, be challenged and contribute to meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

Benefits and Culture:

People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include: 

• Hybrid/flexible working arrangements and are committed to supporting work-life balance while delivering meaningful outcomes.
• 17% superannuation contributions, annual leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice option
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport)
• Affordable on-campus parking

About you:

You will bring a relevant postgraduate qualification and/or extensive experience in a major research or government portfolio, together with a strong track record of developing and stewarding collaborative research partnerships.

You can also demonstrate:

• Expert knowledge of the national and international research environment, including competitive funding sources, funding schemes, policies and regulatory requirements.
• Strong strategic, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to inform decisions and advise on complex issues.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience, including the ability to lead, develop and motivate high-performing teams, build capability, clarify expectations and foster a collaborative, inclusive and accountable culture.
• Highly developed project management, prioritisation and organisational skills.
• A proven ability to improve workflows, service delivery and quality through innovative solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Highly developed influencing, negotiation and consultation skills, including the judgement and discretion to manage sensitive matters.
• A collaborative leadership style and the ability to build credibility and effective relationships at all levels.
• A commitment to UNSW’s values, policies, guidelines and health and safety responsibilities.

How to apply: Please submit your CV and a Cover Letter outlining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience align with the position requirements before 11.55pm, Sunday 20th September 2026. A copy of the Position Description is available via Jobs@UNSW.

Pre Employment Checks

As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

Contact: Shiree Thomas – Talent Acquisition Partner: *************@unsw.edu.au

Please note applications sent directly to the contact person will not be accepted

NSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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